Danish helicopter on dangerous mission

Last week, a rescue helicopter of the type EH101 Merlin from Skrydstrup, conducted a complicated and dangerous rescue operation in the North Sea as the helicopter evacuated a wounded young Dutchman from the Norwegian school ship Christian Radich in heavy seas.

When the helicopter arrived at the ship, the wind was blowing 35 knots, and the ship had difficulty maintaining a stable course. In fact, it swung back and forth as much as it did from side to side. As it is a ship with three masts, it's a challenge to get close enough with the helicopter to make contact with a line, explains one of the helicopter's crew members.

After some time and persistent attempts the helicopter succeeded and a rescuer could be sent down. In cooperation with the rest of the crew of the rescue helicopter and the ship's crew he managed to hoist the 16-year-old Dutchman into the helicopter and flew him in for further treatment in Esbjerg.

You can watch a video of the rescue operation made from the helicopter, and posted on the Air Force Facebook Page HERE